EPCOT is no stranger to magical moments, and on February 18, 2025, something truly special happened at the Disney On Broadway performance during the Festival of the Arts. Guests attending the event got more than they bargained for when a surprise performance left them absolutely shocked and delighted.
The Festival of the Arts, which takes place every year after the holiday season, is a dazzling celebration of creativity at EPCOT. This festival isn’t just about the artwork on display or the incredible food offerings — there’s also live entertainment, and this year, it gave guests a Broadway moment they’ll never forget.
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Disney On Broadway Takes the Stage
As part of EPCOT’s annual Festival of the Arts, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY concert series is a must-see. On this particular night, Broadway stars Rodney Ingram, known for his role as Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin, and Kara Lindsay, best known for her role as Katherine Plumber in Newsies, were performing live for the crowd.
But what started as an amazing Broadway performance soon became something far more exciting.
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During Kara Lindsay’s performance, the unexpected happened: members of the Newsies cast, who had once performed alongside her, were secretly planted in the audience.
As Kara sang onstage, these surprise guests began popping up one by one, much to her astonishment.
Tonight at Disney on Broadway, they surprised Kara Lindsey with her Newsies co-stars planted in the audience and sang King of New York to her.
She did amazing having no clue this was going to happen!
Tonight at Disney on Broadway, they surprised Kara Lindsey with her Newsies co-stars planted in the audience and sang King of New York to her.
She did amazing having no clue this was going to happen! pic.twitter.com/uZJ0x3bAse
— Belle (@FiBelleFi) February 19, 2025
Before anyone knew it, they were singing one of Newsies‘ most famous songs, “King of New York,” with Kara, bringing back the magic of the show in a way no one could have predicted.
The Shock and Delight of the Moment
The surprise left Kara in awe, as she had no idea her fellow cast members were in on the plan. Watching the excitement unfold, the audience’s reactions were priceless. Fans screamed in excitement as they recognized the surprise, quickly picking up on the iconic song and sharing in the joy of the moment.
The video of the surprise performance quickly went viral, and it’s easy to see why. Guests attending the Festival of the Arts were treated to something truly unexpected—an intimate Broadway reunion right in the heart of EPCOT.
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Here’s a tweet from the fan who captured the unforgettable moment:
Fans who were lucky enough to witness the performance were quick to express their excitement on social media, sharing their disbelief and joy over the surprise Broadway reunion. The emotion on Kara’s face as she performed with her Newsies castmates was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all involved.
Festival of the Arts Magic
In addition to the Broadway surprises, the Festival of the Arts offers something for everyone. With a wide variety of food, art, and entertainment, it’s a unique way to experience EPCOT.
Guests can immerse themselves in the world of Disney arts, enjoy delicious dishes inspired by the culinary arts, and even engage in interactive experiences, like the paint-by-numbers mural and the Animation Academy, where you can learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters.
For those who want a Broadway fix, catching a Disney On Broadway performance at EPCOT is definitely something not to be missed during this celebration.
What do you think about the surprise Broadway performance? Have you ever witnessed an unexpected moment at the Festival of the Arts? Share your thoughts and favorite experiences in the comments below!
